Water Erosion Potential

Dataset Number1049
Dataset TitleWater Erosion Potential
CustodianData Authority: Department for Environment and Water
Data Provider: Department for Environment and Water

Description

DescriptionWater Erosion Potential indicates where land is inherently susceptible to sheet or rill erosion caused by overland flows (not where water erosion has been or is currently a problem). The assessment is based on inherent slope and soil erodibility characteristics. Vegetation and other protective cover occurring at the time of assessment are ignored as these can vary significantly over time, including loss due to bushfire. Rather, land is assumed to be in bare, clean, cultivated state for consistency of assessment. (Where necessary for subsequent analyses, land covered by native vegetation can be excluded by superimposing an appropriate vegetation dataset.) At the regional assessment level, slope classes are estimated from 1:50,000 scale contour maps. Soil Landscape Map Units, on which the erosion potential classes are based, ideally consist of only one slope class. Slope class limits are modified according to soil erodibility. Slope limits for a given erosion potential class are lower for a soil which is inherently erodible, compared with those for an inherently stable soil. Eight Water Erosion Potential attribute (or 'analysis data') classes have been supplied (see 'E1', 'E2' etc in table below, including not applicable) as percentage (areal extent) values of each Soil Landscape Map Unit. Note: the sum of all percentage values for each map unit totals 100%. This analysis data is to be used for the calculation of spatial data statistics. For map display purposes, Soil Landscape Map Units are categorised INTO eight legend categories (EROS_WATER), including not applicable, according to the dominant erosion potential class in the map unit.
UsageLink to Soil Attribute Descriptions. This dataset has been derived from the Soil Landscape Map Units spatial dataset to be used for map creation or the calculation of spatial data statistics. Used to supply Government, community groups, industry and the general public with up to date regional, subregional and catchment level land and soil attribute information for southern South Australia. The aim is to produce maps, statistics and reports displaying and describing: Land and soil attributes within southern South AustraliaSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Land surface features affecting land use, land management and productivitySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; Limitations / suitability of land and soil for a range of agricultural and other uses. Independent professional advice should be sought before using this in commercial decisions. Further information: soil and land attributes. Water Erosion Potential dataset can be viewed on NatureMaps (>Soils>Soil Erosion Attributes). Spatial data downloads are available from Data SA.

Data Quality

LineageThe dataset is based on an interpretation of 1:40,000 stereo colour aerial photography and limited field inspection of landscapes and soils by soil scientists. Soil Landscape Map Unit boundaries were determined after an integration of field observations and recordingsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; laboratory analysesSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; stereoscopic examination of aerial photographsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; understanding of regional landscape processes and stratigraphySELECT 1 FROM DUAL; existing soil and geological mapping data. To avoid inconsistencies and confusion, any updates to the Soil and Land Attribute mapping are to be managed by DEWNR Soil and Land Program. This data has been released under a Creative Commons licence. Where products are derived from this data, DEWNR are to be acknowledged, and any changes to the original data should be indicated.
CompletenessComplete. The spatial data is subject to amendment as and when more data become available.
Positional AccuracyThe accuracy is to the scale of mapping (50 metres at 1:50,000 and 300 metres at 1:100,000 mapping scale). The spatial data is to be used at the regional, subregional and catchment level, and can be used to provide property overviewsSELECT 1 FROM DUAL; however, cannot be used at the paddock level. South East, Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty Ranges and the 'bottom' of Yorke Peninsula have been mapped at 1:50,000. Eyre Peninsula, the main part of Yorke Peninsula, Murray Mallee and Northern Agricultural Districts have been mapped at 1:100,000. Map unit boundaries should be treated as transition zones.

Geographic Extent

Extent NameAgricultural Region - South Australia
Min Easting or Longitude132.25
Min Northing or Latitude-38
Max Easting or Longitude141
Max Northing or Latitude-32.25

Dataset Status

Initially Acquired01-JAN-2000
Last Updated01-JUL-2009
Update FrequencyAs required
Maintenance MethodAs required
AusGOALCC BY (Attribution)

Attributes

TableNameField AliasData TypeDescription
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterLANSLU CharacterSoil Landscape Map Unit
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterEROS_WATER CharacterWATER EROSION POTENTIAL (Legend category. See layer file for descriptions). Map units are classified according to the dominant water erosion potential class occurring.
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE1 NumberPercentage of map unit with low water erosion potential (no special management needed).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE2 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderately low water erosion potential (modified surface management needed).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE3 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderate water erosion potential (engineered works (e.g. contour banks) needed if cultivated).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE4 NumberPercentage of map unit with moderately high water erosion potential (semi arable).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE5 NumberPercentage of map unit with high water erosion potential (non arable).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE6 NumberPercentage of map unit with very high water erosion potential (non arable, not traversable).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterE7 NumberPercentage of map unit with extreme water erosion potential (non productive).
Landscape.SALAD_Erosion_WaterEX NumberPercentage of map unit which is not applicable.

Contact Information

OrganisationDepartment for Environment and Water
Science Monitoring and Knowledge
Postal AddressGPO Box 1047

ADELAIDE
5001
EmailDEWNR.CustomerServiceCentre@sa.gov.au